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Page 1 - Intro
Page 2 - Beginning the transformation
Page 3 - She's running, passed inspection, and plated!
Page 4 - Taking a break
Page 5 - Shift boots, hardtop, switch panel fabrication, etc.
Page 6 - Misc work - Hub/Steering wheel, Doors/windows, etc.
Page 7 - AC system removed
Page 8 - Engine/transmission swap time!
Page 9 - Time for Roll Cage and new rims!
Page 10 - Kill switch, SPX2 intake, Trunk Repairs, VLSD Differential installation, and brake system maintenance.
Page 11 - coming soon... Fuel Test Port, interior painting and sheet metal work, harness, and Spec Miata cat-back exhaust
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Have you ever wanted to build a real race car but didn't know what to build? After riding in a friend's Miata back in 2002 he tossed me the keys... I was hooked.
These are cars that are FUN to drive! Rear wheel drive, light weight, amazing handling, and very easy to modify... but they are also fairly cheap to turn into a real race car!
The search began for a car and one was found on eBay for less than $950. After a quick 1196 mile round trip in less than 36 hours, she was home.
It was kinda scary since she was not in good running condition, had body work that wasn't quite finished, a hole in the top, and did I mention it wasn't in good running condition? Heck, it wasn't even running!
Here's the picture under the hood... Funny, huh? The replacement head was in the trunk and the intake manifold and most other parts were in the passenger seat! The story from the previous owner was that the coolant was lost and the car overheated and severely warped the head. He was moving and just wanted to sell the car instead of moving it out of state.
Interesting rims - I found out they were "Millen Panasport" rims, one time they were very popular, but are kinda heavy compared to most tuner rims. They supposedly suck air out from under the car and they do meet the minimum weight and size requirements for Spec racing.
The interior wasn't too bad... carpet was OK, seats are OK, door panels... well, driver's was OK, passenger was shot... seat bolts missing on passenger seat... however, most of the interior will be stripped anyway during the Spec transformation.
There was an Autopower rollbar in the car. This will be eventually removed, sold, and one day a roll cage will take its place.
Well, she was prepped for transportation by the previous owner (driveshaft removed), parts shoved everywhere inside, and we put her on the tow dolly for the drive home.
Now it's time for the transformation. It will be broken down into several portions as time and money allow... First will be getting it running. After that it gets stripped down - AC, interior, trunk, airbags, everything that can go, will go. Next will be the racing seat, harness, and racing steering wheel/adapter. Following that will be the roll cage. Once that is done it will be time to paint the car and get it on the track! The last thing will be to put the Spec Miata suspension kit under the car. It will be ready for its first real race after that.
MANY thanks to the following people who helped with offers of knowledge, hands-on help, and the selling of hard to find pulled parts - Titus, Madmerv, Icepenguin66, VFR750, Hudson Hawk, Sharpie, NealB, Bam, IPRESS, and Johnwag from the Miata Metroplex Enthusiasts. A big thanks goes out to Larry and staff at OK Miata and to Gary at Trackdog Racing for their help with parts and patience with my questions. And I cannot forget a big thanks to the nice folks from the parts counter at Town North Mazda. They've made a lot off of me ;)
I hope I'm not forgetting anyone!
